Daily Briefing: Stating the Obvious
* House Republicans will issue 600-plus-page report on Wednesday that harshly criticizes all aspects of the government's response to Katrina: "It was a failure of leadership. In this instance, blinding lack of situational awareness and disjointed decision making needlessly compounded and prolonged Katrina's horror." [ WP , NYT ]
*Cheneyaccidentally shoots companion during hunting trip in Texas.Mary Matalin: "He felt badly, obviously. On the other hand, he was not careless or incautious or violate any of the [rules]. He didn't do anything he wasn't supposed to do." [ WP , NYT , USAT , WT ]
* Rep.Jane Harman(D-Calif.) andTom Daschlebelieve eavesdropping is necessary but doubtBushhas the legal authority. [ WP , LAT ]
*DeansaysCheneyshould resign if he was involved in the leaking ofValerie Plame's identity. [ NYT , WT ]
* Sen.Frist(R-Tenn.) will push for a complete repeal of the estate tax this spring: "I will do everything in my power to bury the 'death tax' once and for all." [ W$J ]
* Congress will not have to abide by local smoking ban. [ USAT ]
* Sen.Clinton(D-N.Y.) needs to hone her speaking skills. [ NYT ]
* Republican commentatorBruce Bartlettloses think tank job after writing book critical ofBush. [ NYT ]